Laryngeal Anatomy and Function Quiz

Larynx Structure and Function Overview

• Larynx structure includes the hyaline and elastic cartilages and various ligaments and membranes
• The larynx is composed of three large unpaired cartilages and four pairs of smaller cartilages
• The larynx is innervated by the recurrent laryngeal nerve (vagus) and is supplied by the superior and inferior laryngeal arteries
• The larynx has intrinsic and extrinsic muscles responsible for functions such as airway protection and controlling the size of rima glottidis
• Clinical considerations related to the larynx include choking, anaphylaxis, laryngospasm, aspiration pneumonia, and cricothyroidotomy
• The recurrent laryngeal nerve loops around certain structures and provides motor function to all laryngeal muscles except the cricothyroid muscle
• The larynx is covered by mucosa, and the vestibular and vocal folds divide it into the vestibule, ventricle, and infraglottic space
• The extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the larynx serve various functions, including protecting and closing the airway and altering the tension of vocal ligaments
• The larynx's arterial supply includes the superior laryngeal arteries from the external carotid artery and the inferior thyroid arteries from the subclavian artery
• The larynx's venous drainage involves superior and inferior laryngeal veins and lymphatic drainage to deep cervical nodes and pre- and paratracheal nodes
• Elevation of the larynx during swallowing plays a crucial role in protecting the airway
• The larynx has numerous clinical implications, including emergency management of choking, back blows, abdominal thrusts, and the potential for recurrent laryngeal nerve damage

Respiratory Infections and Pneumonia Management

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) is effective in respiratory failure.
• Baricitinib is effective in addition to steroids/tocilizumab for treatment.
• Current drugs under investigation include high dose dexamethasone, empagliflozin, molnupiravir, Paxlovid, and Sotrovimab.
• Pneumonia cases with mucus plugging and Aspergillosis are discussed.
• Community Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) definition, incidence, aetiology, and pathology are detailed.
• Prognosis and severity assessment using CURB65 and PSI are discussed.
• Antibiotics selection and duration are outlined, considering pathogen, disease, and host response.
• Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) are detailed.
• Other aspects like drug resistance, antibiotic stewardship, and health economics are considered in pneumonia management.
• Concepts like microbiome, metabolome, and rapid diagnostics are mentioned for future directions.
• The importance of vaccination and follow-up in pneumonia management is emphasized.
• The text highlights the need to consider severity, cause, and best treatment strategy for each individual, and the importance of using resources wisely and considering a range of alternative explanations in pneumonia.